The Ridgefield State of the City is an annual public event where the mayor shares updates on the community, including growth, infrastructure projects, and future plans. The 2026 event will be hosted by Mayor Matt Cole on March 17 at Ridgefield High School and will also include the Make a Difference Awards recognizing community members.
Have you ever been to a State of the City address?
Nope?
Me neither, but the world feels weird and I think it’s time to enter our
“let’s get involved in our community and find out who has the best concrete basements and makes friends with them” “let’s look inward and reconnect with community” phase.
Therefore, State of the City feels very interesting and more important this year.
So let’s all go together, okay?
What’s It All About
The City of Ridgefield’s annual State of the City event is on March 17 at Ridgefield High School.
During the event, Mayor Matt Cole (who I am still not convinced isn’t the secret brother of Ted Lasso) will share updates about city priorities, development, infrastructure, and community initiatives. These presentations typically highlight progress made over the past year (and there has been a lot of that) and outline what residents can expect next.
The evening will also include the Make a Difference Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact in the Ridgefield community.
Who Is Mayor Matt Cole?
Besides the aforementioned Ted or Ted adjacent – Matt Cole is currently serving in his first term as mayor of Ridgefield.
He joined the Ridgefield City Council in 2022 and was appointed mayor in 2025. His focus has included community engagement and guiding Ridgefield’s growth in ways that balance development with the city’s small-town character.
Cole also serves on regional boards including the Regional Transportation Council and the Urban County Policy Board. Before entering local government, he worked in business and creative marketing and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
What Is a “State of the City” Anyway?
A State of the City event is similar to the State of the Union address at the national level (without the paddles, pundits, pedos, and propaganda – oh and pseudo-intellectuals).
It’s a chance for city leadership to step back and explain where the community is today and where it’s headed.
Topics often include:
- Population growth and housing
- Road and infrastructure projects
- Economic development
- Community programs and parks
- Future priorities for the city
For residents, it’s essentially a snapshot of what’s happening behind the scenes at City Hall.
Why It Matters for Ridgefield Residents
Ridgefield is exploding. Have you seen the interactive map?
The city had about 10,000 residents in 2020 and right now an estimated population north of 16k.
That kind of growth affects everything — schools, roads, housing, parks, and the overall feel of the community.
Events like the State of the City help residents understand:
- What projects the city is working on
- How growth is being managed
- What changes may be coming next
It’s also a rare chance to hear directly from local leaders in a setting focused entirely on Ridgefield.
The Make a Difference Awards
One of the highlights of the evening is the Make a Difference Awards.
These awards recognize community members who have gone above and beyond to support Ridgefield.
Recipients typically include volunteers, local leaders, students, businesses, and organizations that have made a positive impact on the community.
The awards are meant to highlight the people who help shape Ridgefield beyond city government.
What Happens Next
The State of the City is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend.
For anyone curious about how the city works or where Ridgefield is headed, it can be a helpful way to connect the dots between growth, planning, and the decisions being made locally.
And if you’re like me and have never gone before, this might be a good year to check it out.
Plus, it’s good to do things you haven’t done before and that maybe feel a little uncomfortable – get that prefrontal cortex firing!
Check out last year’s pre-State of the City address (2025) below. It’s cute, there is a mascot that gives – Jurassic Park Mr. D.N.A. vibes – and you get to see all the people on the council so you can say “hey” next time you pass them on Main.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ridgefield State of the City?
The State of the City is an annual presentation where the mayor shares updates about Ridgefield’s progress, challenges, and future plans.
When is the Ridgefield State of the City in 2026?
The event is scheduled for March 17 at Ridgefield High School.
Who is the mayor of Ridgefield WA?
Matt Cole currently serves as mayor. He joined the City Council in 2022 and was appointed mayor in 2025.
Where is the State of the City held?
The 2026 event will take place at Ridgefield High School in Ridgefield, Washington.
What are the Make a Difference Awards?
These awards recognize residents and organizations who have made a meaningful impact in the Ridgefield community.
Is the State of the City open to the public?
Yes. Community members are encouraged to attend and learn about city updates and future plans.
Have a tip or know more about this story? Contact Meanwhile in Ridgefield.
Who: Ridgefield Mayor Matt Cole and the City of Ridgefield
What: Annual State of the City address and community awards
When: March 17
Where: Ridgefield High School
Why it matters: Residents can hear directly from city leadership about growth, projects, and the future of Ridgefield
